Technological Thoughts

Cognition is the noun of importance in this paper.

Mental activity is the crux of scientific study, especially in the concept based sciences such as chemistry. As an engaged and quizative thinker, I am expected to chase the endless amount of ideas circulating in the world we reside on. Intellectual connections and epiphanies are intended to be self- generated as often as possible. Yet, when I’m grappling with a topic of discussion, this happens nearly on a daily basis, I naturally saunter to the computer, which is concealed within an amore piece of furniture. Realizing this pathetic reliance is dismal: am I not utilizing my brain effectively? Technology may be a tangible limitation of human acquisition of knowledge and the cliche phrase of hard work. Efficacy is oftentimes attained through the tablet as opposed to the magnificent mind.

I have experienced the better side of this issue. Upon birth, I was an individual with “water on the brain.” Essentially, I was a walking, breathing Bobble head. This neurological condition is uncommon and a rarity in the pediatric work. Congenital hydrocephalus is a treatable condition with disastrous effects, if not addressed in an appropriate time frame. The preferred alternative of the two is known as a shunt. A temporary, thin tube is inserted into the ventricle to be deposited into either the heart or belly area. The unfortunate- as one matures, both mentally and physically, repetition is necessary. Miraculously, I was a trial case for Diamox. Diamox is associated with decreased swelling in the eye area. Diamox also aids fluid retention, the condition which necessitated medical attention. The medicine was experimental in 1998. I attended a specialist who had absolutely faith in a rather slim victory. His patients consisted of those who had special needs: I was a victor. In comparison, I was a miracle case to those who could never tie their shoes without the assistance of a parent. Currently, I am the only “normal” individual who attends his practice for checkups every three years. Technological advancements crafted the being I am.

Who could say that Thompson’s discovery of the electron’s position is less noteworthy than the simplified, hasty introduction of the computer? Our generation, a distance away from the baby boomers (our parents), doesn’t demonstrate a constant commitment to patient, elongated tasks. Technological entrances are thus an adieu from previous innovations.

Elasticity is cardinal toward the result of the ideal product. Commonly, the explosion of technology into a sect of employment is a godsend, especially in an increasingly stressful, lightening paced world. Contrastly, Watson is a replacement for human intellect.

Watson, a supercomputer, had repeatedly crushed the brightest individuals, namely Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter. Capacity was the swaying factor in capturing victory. Watson has an abundance of information and dates are stored into the massive, six foot towering structures. (Jeopardy IBM Watson Episode-1 HD) Its strengths include literary material, historical contextual based events and scientific recollection. Watson’s immediate thought process is a compilation of closely related terms. Upon the extraction of influential diction, Watson narrows the large list to a trio of plausible answers. A typical response has a recorded confidence level of ninety five percent. Watson doesn’t rush to respond when her confidence levels reach or dip below fifty percent. Similarly, a test taker applies the same approach to multiple choice based questions. The Watson computer is awfully good at its trade. “Practice makes perfect.” Watson received intensive preparation games in order to bolster her mental skills and comfortably situate herself into the game atmosphere. Preceding the final jeopardy question, Watson was tied for the lead with Mr. Brad Rutter. 5,000 points is comprised of two consecutive mistakes. Interestingly, Watson vocalized the identical, incorrect answer of Ken Jennings. It seems as if Watson doesn’t have the human capability to hear.

Day three has approached with technological and mental kinks. Imperfect performances are absolutely understandable and evitable, especially in the high stress environment, as associated with acclaim and capital. The final question uncovers a technological success. Watson has accumulated 23,400 dollars. She has an advantage over his competitors, exactly 5,200 dollars. Comparatively, Brad Rutter has a prize of 5,200 dollars, a mere 200 dollars difference from the first days’ competition. (Jeopardy IBM Watson Episode-3 HD) Algorithmically, Watson wagers a high amount of 17,973 dollars. 77,417 dollars is the separatory bridge between mental talent and technology. (Jeopardy IBM Watson Episode-3 HD)

Alex Trebek states Watson is created by “some very talented people.” (Jeopardy IBM Watson Episode-3 HD) Those talented people spurred a third great cycle. (Forbes article) The Cloud is the enormous edifice-like design that stores a ubiquitous amount of information. The problem emerges when “real world” knowledge is highlighted. Watson cannot inform you as to how long a flight is or provide insight scoping the newest restaurant scene in the city. Watson, more accurately, the brain trust of IBM, is grappling with this deficiency as associated to the scientific enigma of glioblastoma.

The word glioblastoma is homogeneous to the Latin word glioma. Glioma translates to the word type of brain tumor. Historical references oftentimes refine our societal understanding of targeted vocabulary. Scientific jargon is rooted in history. Likewise, our comprehension and breadth of knowledge is crafted in historical discoveries. Our minds are malleable. We are adept at receiving information and activating it at a wonderful pace. Currently, our science intellects are demonstrative of environmental and cultural adaptation. In 2009, Ken Jennings, the “obsolete know-it-all”, was dialed by to comment on his opinion toward competing against an IBM original supercomputer. He instantly reacted in a joyous tone and accepted the challenge. Jennings stated “people playing computers on game shows was the kind of thing I always imagined would happen in the future and now I could on the stage with that.” (Ken Jennings TED talks Youtube link) Outsourcing of human intellect had transpired in the Westchester County laboratory on February 16th 2011.

Why exactly does the human race work alongside Watson? Firstly, the technology is cheaper than conducting numerous experimental trials to achieve an identical solution. In turn, less expensive technology is faster. Economically, Watson is a gain. The middle class is snatched from an opportunity within their aptitude. Ken Jennings exclaimed, “All I know was how it felt to be the guy put out of work and it was fr**kin demoralizing.” (Ken Jennings TED talks YouTube link) Is knowledge less valuable? Our hippocampus is atrophying as we disengage our brains.

“One remembered fact” molds our future. (Ken Jennings TED talks YouTube link) As the brains of IBM enter willingly into the Golden Age, a transitional point of morality is crossed. Yet, this team has struck equilibrium. Technology works alongside the scientists as an academic resource as opposed to a vicious competitor. Diseases alter their structure microscopically and thus make the problem progressively difficult to solve. Inquisitive minds continually crave the specialty of brain power. Technology rescues the distressed human mind and supports her co-partner(s) to attain a logical and accurate solution.

Our society has succumbed to an artificial arrangement of parallel circuits. Inclusive of all types of gadgets, our human race is subjugated to technology. Intellects are indignant due to the conclusion that knowledge drops in its importance. Samuel Parr, a 19th century British school master articulated, “It is better to know a thing than not to know a thing.” (Ken Jennings TED talks YouTube link)